Jeevan D'Silva
for Daijiworld Media Network

Jodhpur, Aug 24: A District and Sessions Court in Jodhpur has rejected actor Salman Khan's appeal against a five-year prison term in Chinkara poaching case under Wildlife Act. Salman Khan was convicted on April 10 last year for poaching of two blackbucks at Ujiyala Bhakhar near Ghoda Farm on September 28, 1998 during the shooting of Sooraj Barjatiya's film "Hum Saath Saath Hain". He was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25,000. Now, it seems that after Sanjay Dutt , Salman Khan will have to spend some sleepless nights in jail.

Khan was not present when the verdict was pronounced by District and Sessions Judge Kamal Raj Singhvi. Dismissing Khan's appeal against the lower court order, Singhvi upheld the jail sentence awarded to the actor.

The defence said that court cannot pronounce the verdict if the accused is not present, but the judge cited provisions of CrPC under which it is allowed.

Khan has also been sentenced to one-year imprisonment in another poaching case of Bhawad and has filed an appeal against it. But the hearing has not started as the record is pending with the Rajasthan High Court where the state government filed a plea for enhancement of the sentence.

Mahipal Vishnoi, who led the campaign against Salman Khan, expressed joy at the verdict.

There was also jubilation in the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan for whom the Chinkara is sacred.